Seventh Annual

Spend One Week in a Historical Hotbed of Creativity
With Other Amazing Women and Nurture Your Writing
Like Never Before

"You took me from struggling to write for 15 minutes to happily writing for hours every day – it’s a miracle!" --Isabel Gaddis, 2006 and 2007 Participant


Jennifer Louden & Suzanne Falter-Barns
invite you to

Taos Writer's Spa

The Mabel Dodge Luhan House
Taos, New Mexico

July 26-August 1, 2008

"I loved and appreciated everything about the retreat -- the amazing women who participated, the location, the group sessions and independent writing time, opportunities to share with and listen to others read their writing, the workshops & evening councils, the delicious cuisine, the Silent Morning Meditation Walk on Pueblo Lands, the laughter ... love ... and caring of ALL concerned! What an amazing, memorable and life-altering experience. I shall long be reminding myself 'to force nothing, and hold nothing back' not only in my writing, but also in life." --Virginia - Huntington Beach, CA, 2007 Participant


"I feel like I fell in love with myself, the woman I discovered at the Writer's Spa! I always knew she was in there but it was wonderful having the help to get her to come out and shine. Your Spa went way beyond my expectations, and let me tell you... I had really high expectations!" --Karen Booy, 2004, 2005, & 2007 Participant

This week-long workshop is designed for serious or professional writers, artists, performers and other creative thinkers who want to rekindle the spark and their commitment to their creative work. (We call it the Writer’s Spa, but year after year it seems to attract all sorts of artistic souls.) It's also for any busy, working creators who wish time to rest, juice their creativity, and get a new perspective on their process. The Writer's Spa is even for those with a creative vision of any kind that needs some clarity or a shot of mojo.

Unlike any other writer's retreat or workshop, this is a spa, a place to relax, and unwind with your creative work. We help you renew and nurture your creative soul -- and that helps you claim your full emotional power as a writer or artist of any kind. Not a craft workshop or a how-to-get published course (although we do share our best secrets), this is how to get the work done with loving kindess toward yourself that translates into getting more authentic work done.

"Jennifer and Suzanne create a sacred space with the Writer's Spa where the spirit can soar, the heart can sing and the inner woman can roar I am wild, I am wonderful, I AM a Writer! My gratitude overflows and my groove is restored. Thank you! Thank you! " --Debra NB Canada, 2007 Participant


"This writer's spa/conference was the best thing that's happened to me in years. I really enjoyed myself and met some fantastic people. Thanks Jen and Suzanne." --Sherry King, 2007 Participant

"The Writer's Spa offers a truly integral approach to writing, encompassing spirituality, creativity, critical thinking, reflection, and multiple learning styles. Respecting a diversity of interests and experiences, Jennifer and Suzanne did an extraordinary job of providing instruction and information resources to equip every individual for a transformational writing experience." --Dahna Willis, 2005 Participant

"I highly recommend any woman who has the desire to spend quality time with their writing while learning from and engaging with other creative women should attend the Writer's Spa. Jennifer and Suzanne are fabulous and fun facilitators who know their craft well and create an amazing space in which to explore and experience what it means to be a writer. I've attended the retreat twice and both times have been insightful and life-changing." --Lisa Evans, Cannon Beach, OR, 2007 Participant

Spend the week with Jennifer Louden, best-selling author of six books, including her classic The Woman's Comfort Book, and Suzanne Falter-Barns, creative marketing consultant and author of the creativity classics, How Much Joy Can You Stand? and Living Your Joy. Together, they'll provide supportive coaching, in a structured, non-competitive, beautiful retreat environment.

Suzanne and Jennifer will teach you:

  • How to be more productive with more ease week after week.
  • How to work with the critical voices that keep your writing small or non-existent.
  • How to tap into your deepest and truest inspiration.
  • How to stop comparing yourself to other writers.
  • How to connect with your divine purpose as a writer.
  • How to take a rough draft or journal entry and mold into a more polished piece of writing.
  • What it takes to build a platform that will suitably impress agents and editors...and explore getting a book deal if you want one

At The Writer's Spa, you'll find:

  • Space, time, and peace to get your writing done.
  • On-the-spot coaching on your writing/creating when you hit snags and trouble spots as you work.
  • The very best resources and techniques that help you keep on nurturing your writing.
  • Useful information about getting published.
  • A critical on-going support network.
  • A pack of creative, fun, joyful women who, like you, are up for a soul-fulfilling adventure.
  • A colorful, stimulating environment in which someone ELSE is doing the cooking and cleaning, and you get to just lay back, enjoy...and create!

"Jennifer and Suzanne hold such a creative space and attract such amazing women to it. For me, this week allowed me to step into my authenticity as a writer and artist. With gratitude and joy, I cannot thank them enough for offering this spa and sharing their gifts." --Kara, Placitas, NM, 2007 Participant


"When I arrived at the Writer's Spa … I felt pretty depleted creatively and physically. Then through the fabulous seminars that Jennifer and Suzanne enthusiastically presented, I began to find my bearings again. The magic of the amazing food, the mountains in the distance, the weather and more healed my empty parts. I felt like I was in a different dimension here, far, far away from ordinary life. Thank you, Jennifer and Suzanne!" --Christina Frei, 2006 Participant

Each day includes writing time, yoga, and a variety of mini-seminars to choose from including:

  • "Writing Warm-ups"
  • "Befriending the Critic"
  • "The Famous Mysterious Creativity Exercise'"
  • "Discovering Your Divine Purpose as a Writer"
  • "Five Thousand Ways to Kiss Your Writing'
  • "How to Get Publishers & Other Creative Pundits to Take You Seriously'
  • ...and more

Want to Take a Closer Look at the Spa? See our Scrapblog!

Created by frequent Writer's Spa visitor Debra Quartermain, this really conveys just how it is to lose yourself in the Taos desert and create among other wonderful women. Click here.

Participants will also receive:

  • On the Spot coaching as needed with Suzanne or Jennifer as they work
  • A take-home folder full of useful tools for writing, plus class notes from each of the optional mini-seminars.
  • A optional side trip to Ojai Cliente hot springs (transportation is arranged between various rental cars)
  • At least one field trip to a local artist’s studio to hear about their creative process and see their work
  • Time to explore the vibrant, creative environment of Taos
  • A critical support network to help continue their work.
  • Fun, nurturing surprises to add just a little more soul candy to your retreat (Last year chair massages upon arrival were a BIG hit!)

"AMAZING, LIFE CHANGING, and UNFORGETTABLE!!! Jen and Suzanne were great teachers and I will hold them and all of the beautiful women in my heart forever. I can now say confidently, that I AM A WRITER!!!" --Heather S., 2007 Participant

THE COST

Single Occupancy with private bath: $1970.00

Double Occupancy with shared bath: $1670.00

IMPORTANT NOTE: Because of the unique, historic nature of the Mabel Dodge Luhan House, we can only offer 5 single rooms. However, most participants who share rooms find their experience greatly expanded by having another soul around to share ideas and inspirations with. We highly recommend  a double room and will happily help you find the perfect roommate for you. (Suzanne arranges this by polling registrants on a variety of room-related needs, and has been dead on pretty much 100% over the past five years. See below.)

And of course, if you wish to share the Spa and your room with a friend, partner or relation, that's fine, too! (No husbands or boyfriends, please - the spa's just for us ladies. However, they are welcome to stay in the town of Taos, if you feel their presence won't be a distraction.)

Fee includes lodging, breakfast, dinner, 3 lunches, daily writing seminars, nurturing extras, a field trip or two, yoga classes, walks, plus on-the-spot work session coaching. Massage therapist available at extra cost. As this is a very historic building, you may encounter a level of "funk" you wouldn't find in a four star hotel but if you enchanted (like we are eight years in a row!) with a house that appears much as it did in the days when Mabel admired her views of the sacred Taos Mountain from the third-story solarium and if you want to hear the whispers of the tantalizing conversations that took place within these walls with the likes of Georgia O’Keeffe, D.H. Lawrence, Ansel Adams, Martha Graham and Carl Jung, you'll love it. And because it was formerly a private residence, room sizes and views vary. Rooms will be assigned in order of registration.

Smoking only in designated areas outdoors. Also, keep in mind that Taos is a high-elevation destination. While the effects are usually not too troublesome, it can take a little time to adjust, so you may wish to come to the area a day or two early.

Take a look at our schedule to get an idea of what the 2008 Writer's Spa will be like.

A Little More on Doing the Writer's Spa in a Double Room

It's true. The Writer's Spa single rooms usually disappear fast... but this is when the real fun begins. Those who register from here on in will have twice as remarkable experience. (And I can say this based on 5 years of prior experience leading the Spa.) Here's why:

1. Only once in 5 years has anyone requested a roommate change. We were able to accommodate that person quickly and everyone was happy.

2. Most who share their room with a relative stranger leave with a friend for life.

3. Suzanne personally matches people with their roommates based on several factors: age, sleep habits, creative work habits, health issues, personal preferences and any quirks I know about, and whatever I can tell about people from their writing. This is actually Suzanne's favorite part of getting ready for the spa... and how she knows she's probably best employed as a Cub Scout Den Mother or maybe a dorm RA

4. Having a roommate makes it possible for you to process your experience with someone else as you go through it if you want... kind of an out-loud analysis that can be a help to some with the more challenging pieces

5. You will probably laugh more. (Jennifer and Suzanne certainly do!)

6. You will probably stay in touch after the Spa, and so keep the Spa experience alive for yourself for years to come.

"I came to embrace my writing, I signed on to learn about the creative portion of my soul, I joined to be a stronger visionary with the words that wrap around my stories--I left a bolder, brighter more integrated woman. What a surprise to discover new portions of my powerful womanhood and to embrace the beauty of 30 women in the circle of light created by Jennifer and Suzanne. It was simply amazing to witness such dynamic discovery, delight, and transformation. We left as a stronger force for good in our unique and exquisite ways. Thank you from the center of my heart." --Laura Lynne, 2007 Participant

LOCATION

Mabel Dodge Luhan HouseThe Mabel Dodge Luhan House is a famous power spot for writers and other creators through history. This is a truly great place to inspire your creativity. Mabel built this sprawling adobe wonder with her Taos Pueblo husband Tony. The house, grounds and atmosphere has inspired everyone from Carl Jung to Martha Graham and D.H. Lawrence. The food is excellent and plentiful, with tea and cookies always available. The rooms are funky and comfortable, while the views will inspire you, as they have so many others. There are numerous nooks and crannies to write in. The village of Taos is a short walk away.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

The Writer's Spa is open to writers of all levels, from beginner to professional. How do you know if you're "a writer"? Simply because you want to write. You do not need to be published to join us!

However, we would like to know that you've actually tried writing before. Therefore, please send us 5 pages of any kind of writing (fiction, non-fiction, journal, poetry, journalism, essay, etc.) that demonstrates your current area of interest.

(If this seems impossible, the workshop begins now! Allow yourself to sit with pen and paper and begin to write. If you're not sure what to write, dig into why you'd like to come to The Writer's Spa. Write down what comes to mind, despite what your inner critic may be screaming! Just this once, give yourself permission to stick with it long enough to write five pages. Consider this a fun chance to fool around with your writing -- it does not have to be award winning, deathless prose! Then send us what you've got.)

Take a look at our schedule to get an idea of what the 2008 Writer's Spa will be like!

"The week spent at the Mabel Dodge Luhan house with Jennifer Louden, Suzanne Falter-Barnes and the hugely talented and creative fellow participants was one of the most fun and worthwhile experiences of my life. The atmosphere was so conducive to stepping outside of my comfort zone and claiming myself as a writer and artist. The entire experience was valuable and nurturing. I am already trying to figure out how to make the retreat an annual event." --Sharon Martinelli, Wellington, FL, 2007 Participant


"Thank you for showing up big and paving the way for the rest of us to do the same. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, experience and enthusiasm. Also thank you for your sincerity." --Beverly Keaton Smith, 2006 Participant

Final Payment and Cancellation

The remainder of your payment is due on or before May 15th.

If you cancel before May 15th, 2008, we will refund $150 of your deposit.
If you must cancel after May 15th AND WE CANNOT FILL YOUR SPOT, no deposit is refunded.

If you cancel after May 15th AND after paying the balance in full, and we can fill your place, we will refund the balance paid MINUS $200 of your deposit. If we cannot fill your spot, we cannot refund any monies due to our contract with the Mable Dodge Luhan house.

Please note: all registrations three weeks prior to start date of the Spa must pay in full by credit card at time of registration.

"The experience just gets better and better for me every year! My second time around I was able to take my writing and my attitude to the next level and only because of Suzanne and Jennifer. Their concerns with my comfort, happiness, satisfaction and everything truly makes the spa a retreat." --Dana Boyd, 2005 and 2006 Participant

TO REGISTER

Please send your submissions via email (Attachments are fine, but a regular email without fancy stuff is good, too.) to jennifer@comfortqueen.com. Please write WRITER'S SPA SUBMISSIONS in the subject line. She'll get back to you within two weeks – maybe a lot less.

PLEASE NOTE: The Writer's Spa usually sells out quickly as many of our Writer's Spa alumnae come back year after year. Act now if you are interested, to assure that you get your spot.

We will contact you upon acceptance (Yes, you are good enough. Yes, you should go for it!.) At that time, your $300 deposit is due via check or by credit card. You will be emailed a packet containing travel info upon receipt of your payment.

Writer's Spa 2007

What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

Suzanne Falter-Barns is the author of a novel, and two creativity classics "How Much Joy Can You Stand?" and "Living Your Joy." She has also written for most of the major women's magazines including Fitness, New Woman, Self, More, Parents, and the Op Ed page of The New York Times. She previously taught creative writing at New York University School for Continuing Education, and has trained more than 300 How Much Joy Facilitator's worldwide to lead creativity workshops. Today, through her website, Get Known Now, Suzanne works helping people package and market their creative businesses, so they can attract media, publishers and a worldwide audience for their work online.

Jennifer Louden is a bestselling author of The Woman's Comfort Book, The Couple's Comfort Book, The Pregnant Woman's Comfort Book, The Woman's Retreat Book, and Comfort Secrets for Busy Women., with over 800,000 copies in print worldwide. She's an ontological coach, monthly columnist for Martha Stewat’s Body+Soul, a budding artist, a mother, and is currently taking off nine months to renew her creative spirit. Her newest book is The Life Organizer: A Woman's Guide to a Mindful Year.

More questions or want to schedule a time to talk to see if this is right retreat for you? Please email jennifer@comfortqueen.com or Suzanne at info@howmuchjoy.com with your request or questions.